bernese mountain dog club · the membership of the bernese mountain dog club of northern california...

Bernese Mountain Dog ClubO F N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of our Club is to support, educate and involve members in events that:

Advance the Working ability of the Bernese Mountain Dog(e.g., carting, agility, herding, tracking, obedience, conformation);

Promote the betterment of health in the Bernese Mountain Dog(e.g., educational speakers, publishing newsletters, working with the NationalClub);

Preserve the Bernese Mountain Dog's breed type, disposition, andtemperament in accordance with the breed standard (e.g., educatingowners and breeders);

Socialize Berners and their owners by providing opportunities to have funwith other dog fanciers (e.g., picnics, camp-outs, parties, matches, hikes,snow days);

Serve as Ambassadors of the Bernese Mountain Dog, always acting in anethical manner and preserving the integrity of our code of ethics (e.g.,educating the public);

Result in AKC recognition as an independent regional club.

of 3 - BMDCNC Code of Conduct Approved 9/17/05


CODE OF CONDUCT

The membership of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California (BMDCNC) is dedicated to:

• advancing the working ability of the Bernese Mountain Dog• promoting the betterment of health in the Bernese Mountain Dog• preserving the Bernese Mountain Dog’s breed type, disposition and temperament in accordance with the breed standard• providing a social setting for the enjoyment of Bernese Mountain Dogs• serving as ambassadors of the Bernese Mountain Dog by always acting in an ethical manner and preserving the integrity

of this Code of Conduct.

This code is established to further the objectives of the club as set forth in Article I of the BMDCNC Constitution.BMDCNC members recognize that as individuals, our practices of ownership, breeding, sportsmanship, and ethics directlyaffect the welfare of the breed. We realize that no code will ever cover every behavior necessary to protect the breed.Therefore we acknowledge our actions are the truest reflection of our personal integrity and ethics, our commitment to theenhancement of our breed community, and true concern for the welfare of the breed.

1. PROMOTING THE STANDARD OF THE BREED

BMDCNC members agree to:

A) use the breed standard created by the BMDCA and adopted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for the BerneseMountain Dog (BMD) to assess the suitability of dogs' temperament and type for exhibition in AKC and club eventsand for breeding.

B) participate in and/or support events which promote the breed standard and reflect the breed's history and heritage suchas specialty shows, performance events and draft tests.

2. ADVANCING THE OBJECTIVES AND INTEGRITY OF THE CLUB

BMDCNC Members agree to:

A) adhere to all AKC rules, regulations and requirements pertaining to the sport of dogs, the Constitution, Bylaws, andregulations of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California (BMDCNC), and this Code of Conduct (COC).

B) share knowledge truthfully, constructively and respectfully when conveying information about members and members'breeding programs, as well as about individual BMD's.

C) display good sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a manner that gives credit to the BMDCNC, the AKC, and thebreed.

D) encourage and promote public awareness of responsible pet ownership.E) ensure that in all dog related activities, the dog's welfare takes precedence over considerations of breeders, trainers,

owners, organizations, sponsors, and officials.F) participate in activities and programs sponsored by the BMDCNC to the best of their ability.


3. PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF THE BREED AND INDIVIDUAL DOGS

BMDCNC members agree to:

A) keep only as many dogs for which they can provide a high standard of health care, shelter, nutrition, attention, affection,and overall care.

B) provide appropriate training, exercise and supervision to ensure their dogs are well mannered, kept in safe conditions,and are not abused or neglected.

C) not allow their dogs to roam at large unsupervised, nor to become a public nuisance or a public burden.D) ensure to their best ability that all dogs they place are not brokered, wholesaled or consigned through a pet shop, auction

or other commercial establishment; and are not offered as prizes in contests, raffles or fundraising events.E) ensure to their best ability that no stud dog or brood bitch owned by them is bred to any dog or bitch whose owner is

directly or indirectly involved with any dog broker, puppy mill, pet shop that retails dogs, auction, litter lot sales, orany other commercial enterprise whose business is involved in these activities.

F) ensure that all animals released to the care of others have received the health care appropriate for their age and needs.G) prior to placing any BMD, discuss with the prospective owner the health care and behavior management needs of the

dog and provide recommendations for general care.H) guarantee the health of the dog subject to a veterinarian's examination, at a minimum, within 72 hours of placement.I) provide assistance to dogs of their breeding in need of rehoming whether through a shelter, auction, rescue organization

or an individual. Stud dog owners should also assist with rehoming of dogs sired by their stud dogs.

BMDCNC members are encouraged to:

J) use a written contract detailing all guarantees, obligations, and expectations of sellers, buyers, receivers and providersof services.

K) assure that any dog they place which is not suitable for breeding is placed with an AKC limited registration and anon-breeding contract. A spay/neuter requirement is additionally recommended.

4. PROMOTING QUALITY AND INTEGRITY IN BREEDING PROGRAMS

Members who wish to breed Bernese Mountain Dogs should do so with the full understanding of the responsibility they bearto the future of the breed and with the paramount intention of improving and protecting the breed. Breeders shouldunderstand the breed standard, evaluate individual mature dogs' traits, evaluate traits present in a breeding dog's immediateand extended family, and apply the principles of genetics. Additionally breeders should have a practical knowledge ofmating, care of the bitch in whelp, raising a litter, and the time, effort and resources required to engage in this activity.

Ideally the suitability of BMD's for breeding purposes should be assessed after twenty-four months of age. The BMDCNCrecognizes that some breeders with extensive knowledge of the breed and of a dog's extended family may, in specialcircumstances, elect to use less mature animals for breeding. Minimum ages stated in this code are not recommended foruse routinely. The recommended age for first breeding a BMD is after twenty- four months.

Experienced member breeders should make themselves available as a resource to novice breeders when requested.Conversely novice breeders should actively recruit assistance from experienced breeders when engaging in this activity. Allmembers should assist the breeders of their dogs by keeping them informed of their dogs' development throughout life.

BMDCNC members who breed agree to:

A) adhere to AKC rules applying to litter and individual registrations, ensuring that any litter they produce is eligible forAKC registration.

B) refrain from breeding females prior to eighteen months and males before twelve months of age.C) ensure a female bears puppies no more than two out of three seasons. A period of a one-year rest between litters is

desirable.D) use for breeding only animals which exhibit good type, are in good health, and are physically and temperamentally


sound. Shy and aggressive dogs will be eliminated from breeding.E) obtain an evaluation for hip and elbow dysplasia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or other

BMDCNC recognized orthopedic registry prior to using a BMD for breeding. Regardless of any prior evaluations, alldogs over 24 months of age who are to be used for breeding must be evaluated by the OFA or other BMDCNCrecognized orthopedic registry for hip and elbow dysplasia after 24 months of age and prior to being bred.

F) obtain an evaluation for heritable eye conditions from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) or otherBMDCNC recognized ophthalmology registry prior to using a BMD for breeding.

G) provide new owners the following documentation: this Code of Conduct, an AKC registration application or registrationpapers for the individual dog, a health and veterinary care history, evidence of the individual's and/or sire and dam'shealth certifications or evaluations, a four-generation pedigree, and recommendations for general care and training.

H) remain available for advice and assistance, when sought, for the lifetime of the offspring from their dogs.I) ensure to the best of their ability that puppies produced from any of their BMDs will be raised and sold in a manner

in accordance with this Code of Conduct.J) exhibit at dog shows and matches where feasible.

The BMDCNC recommends that members who breed:

K) assess whether prospective breeding candidates and their immediate relatives are affected with or carriers of hereditarydisease for which there is diagnostic testing. Such hereditary diseases include, but may not be limited to, hip and elbowdysplasia, eye disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, and von Willebrand disease.

L) submit and update data to the Berner-Garde database.M) use dogs for breeding which are at least two years old, have sound temperament, structure, conformation, and type, and

who have been evaluated and are known to be not affected with a crippling nor disabling defect nor affected with aknown hereditary disease for which there is diagnostic testing.

N) refrain from using dogs for breeding which, although unaffected with a specific physical or temperament defect,consistently produce afflicted offspring with different mates.

O) transfer puppies to new owners in accordance with the laws of their state and meet, at least, the minimum federalstandard for transporting puppies (8 weeks of age).

P) obtain an AKC DNA profile on all dogs used for breeding.

As a member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California, I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

BMDCNC Member Name Signature Date

BMDCNC Member Name Signature Date

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern CaliforniaMembership Application ë First Adult Applicant: $40 ($30 annual dues + $10 initiation fee)Includes one voting membership and newsletter subscription. ë Additional Adult Applicants: Add $10 for each Additional Adult Applicant at the same address. ë Junior Applicant: $25 ($15 annual dues + $10 initiation fee) This application will be active for one year, after which a new application must be submitted. Please complete both sides of this form, and have all Applicants sign at the bottom of Page 2.

Name(s)

1.

2.

3.

Occupation (former if retired)

Home Address City State Zip

Mailing Address (if different) City State Zip

Phone: Home W ork Fax E-mail Address

( ) ( ) ( )

Please check those we may include in our Membership Directory: ë Home Phone ë Work Phone ë Fax ë E-mail

Please list all Bernese Mountain Dogs owned on Page 2, and circle your areas of interest and activity:

Dog Owner Exhibitor/Conformation Exhibitor/Obedience Breeder JudgeDrafting Tracking Agility Herding Therapy Other:

If you circled Breeder:

Have you bred Bernese Mountain Dogs? ë Yes ë No How many litters in last 3 years?Kennel Name(s):Have you bred other breeds of dogs? ë Yes ë No What breeds?Kennel Name(s):

List all other kennel, specialty, or obedience clubs to which you belong, and any positions held:

Are you able to accept committee or other assignments if requested by the Club? ë Yes ë No

If Yes, any special interests or areas of expertise?

Are you a BMDCA member? ë Yes ë No Are you an Alpenhorn subscriber? ë Yes ë No Membership requires the sponsorship of two BMDCNCmembers in good standing. If you already have eligiblesponsors, please list them below:Sponsor No. 1 Sponsor No. 2

Membership requires attendance at two BMDCNC sponsoredevents before you can be voted upon. If you have alreadyattended any events, please note the date and event below:Event No. 1 Event No. 2

- Please continue by completing the reverse side of this page - 12/1/05

Please list all the Bernese Mountain Dogs that you now own. (Copy this page for additional dogs.)

1Registered Name with T itles Sex Date of Birth

Call Name Registration No. ë AKC ë ILP ë Other Breeder

Sire Dam



Sire Dam



Sire Dam



Sire Dam



Sire Dam

I, the undersigned, am in good standing with the American Kennel Club, and agree to abide by the Constitution & By-Laws and the Code of Conductof the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California, and the rules of the American Kennel Club, now and hereafter made. The information hereinis true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and is provided for the private use of this Club. (Signatures are required of all Member Applicants.)

1. Signed: Date:

2. Signed: Date:

3. Signed: Date:

BMDCNC Constitution and Bylaws - Rev. 3 Page 1 of 7 Approved December 15, 2007


CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE IName and Objectives

Section 1. The name of the Club shall be Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California.

Section 2. The objectives of the Club shall be:A. To encourage and promote quality and integrity in the ethical breeding of purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs

and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection while protecting the overall health of thebreed;

B. To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by The American KennelClub as the only standard of excellence by which Bernese Mountain Dogs shall be judged;

C. To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlikecompetition at dog shows, trials and working events;

D. To conduct sanctioned and licensed specialty shows, and all AKC events for which the club is eligibleunder the rules and regulations of The American Kennel Club;

E. To promote the special qualities of the breed by conducting working events under the rules of the BerneseMountain Dog Club of America;

F. To sustain and support a rescue program for purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs;G. To provide a social setting for the enjoyment of Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Section 3. The club shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from duesor donations to the Club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.

Section 4. The members of the Club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such Bylaws as may be required to carryout these objectives.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE IMembership

Section 1. Eligibility - There shall be three types of membership open to all persons 10 years of age and older who are ingood standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the objectives of this club:A. Adult Membership (Voting) - open to all persons 18 years of age and older, who shall enjoy all the

privileges of this club including the right to vote and hold office.B. Honorary Membership (Voting) - awarded to an existing Adult Member in good standing, who shall

continue to enjoy all the privileges of this club including the right to vote and hold office without yearlydues.

C. Junior Membership (Non-Voting) - open to all persons 10 through 17 years of age, who shall enjoy all theprivileges of this club without the right to vote or hold office. Junior Membership shall be automatically


converted to Adult Membership at the age of 18.While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the Club’s primary purpose is to be representative of thebreeders, exhibitors and fanciers in its immediate area.

Section 2. Dues - Membership dues shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors each August, and any recommendedchanges shall be approved by an affirmative vote from 2/3 of the membership in good standing, present and votingat the Fall Membership Meeting. Dues for Adult Membership shall not exceed $50 per year, and dues for JuniorMembership shall not exceed $20 per year. Dues are payable on or before the first day of February of each year. No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. The Treasurer shall announce the dues for theensuing year in the November newsletter.

Section 3. Election To Membership - Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board ofDirectors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by these Constitution and Bylaws and the rulesof The American Kennel Club. The application shall state the name, address, contact information and occupationof the applicant. Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit payment for the currentyear’s dues plus a $10 non-refundable initiation fee. An application will remain valid for up to one year from thedate it was submitted, after which a new application must be submitted.

A. To be elected to membership as an Adult or Junior Member, each applicant must:1. have attended two Club sponsored events, or attended one Club sponsored event and actively

assisted a Club committee outside of the attended event;2. have obtained the signature endorsement of two unrelated members from separate households who

have each been in good standing for two or more consecutive years;3. be present during the voting of his or her application.

B. At the Board’s discretion, Honorary Membership may be conferred upon existing Adult Members whohave: A. been members in good standing for a minimum of 10 years;B. demonstrated exemplary service to this club and its members;C. been involved with the Bernese Mountain Dog breed a minimum of 20 years;D. demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Bernese Mountain Dog breed;Any member in good standing may nominate an individual club member for Honorary Membership. Uponnomination, the Board will review the qualifications, and will award Honorary Membership upon majorityapproval of the Board. The Board may award a maximum of one Honorary Membership per year.

All applications are to be filed with the Membership Chairperson, who shall read each application at the firstMembership Meeting of the Club following its receipt. At the next Membership Meeting where all applicationrequirements have been met, the application will be voted on by secret ballot. To be elected, the applicant mustreceive affirmative votes from 2/3 of the members in good standing, present and voting at that meeting. TheMembership Committee shall notify new members of their election to membership.

Applicants for membership who have been rejected by the Club may not re-apply within six months after suchrejection. Re-application requires the endorsement of two new sponsors who are unrelated and from separatehouseholds, who have each been members in good standing for two or more consecutive years.

Section 4. Termination of Membership - Memberships may be terminated with non refundable dues:A) by resignation. Any member in good standing may resign from the Club on written notice to the Secretary;

but no member may resign when in debt to the Club. Dues obligations are considered a debt to the Cluband they become incurred on the first day of each fiscal year.

B) by lapsing. A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’sdues remain unpaid by May 1 (grace period). After May 1, an individual can apply for reinstatement ofmembership status on a form approved by the Board. The reinstatement application, along with a $10reinstatement fee and the regular dues payment, must reach the Membership Chair by August 1 of the sameyear in order for the individual to continue membership. The reinstatement procedure does not requiresponsor signatures or Board approval. Upon reinstatement, membership is considered continuous withprevious years. For members whose dues remain unpaid after May 1, all membership privileges aresuspended until dues are paid. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Club meeting whose duesare unpaid as of the date of that meeting.


C) by expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of these Bylaws.

Section 5. Club Communications - The Club may send members official notices, reports, meeting minutes and newslettersvia electronic communication – including facsimile telecommunication or electronic mail, or posting to anelectronic message board or network which the Club has designated for those communications (together with aseparate notice to the recipient of the posting), or other means of electronic communication – to a member who hasprovided an unrevoked consent to the use of those means of transmission for communications.

ARTICLE IIMeeting and Voting

Section 1. Club Meetings - Membership Meetings of the Club shall be held quarterly in the greater Santa Rosa, CA area(including Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano and Lake counties) at such date, hour and place as may be designated bythe Board of Directors. Quarters shall be Spring (March/April/May), Summer (June/July/August), Fall(September/ October/November) and Winter (December/January/February). Notice of such meeting shall be giveneither personally, by electronic transmission, or by mail or other means of written communication, by theSecretary at least 21 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 20% of themembers in good standing.

Section 2. Special Club Meetings - Special Club meetings may be called by the President, or by a majority vote of themembers of the Board who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board; and shall becalled by the Secretary on receipt of a petition signed by 5% or more of the members of the Club who are in goodstanding. Such special meetings shall be held in the greater Santa Rosa, CA area (including Marin, Napa, Sonoma,Solano and Lake counties) at a time fixed by the Board not less than 35 nor more than 90 days after the receipt ofthe request and at such place as may be designated by the person(s) authorized herein to call such meetings. Notice of such meeting shall be given either personally, by electronic transmission, or by mail or other means ofwritten communication by the Secretary within 20 days after receipt of the request, and said notice shall state thepurpose of the meeting, and no other Club business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meetingshall be 20% of the members in good standing.

Section 3. Board Meetings - Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held a minimum of eight (8) times a year, in thegreater Santa Rosa, CA area (including Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano and Lake counties) at such place, date andhour as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. Notice of such meeting shall be delivered personally or bytelephone (including a voice messaging system) or by electronic transmission by the President or Secretary at leastfive days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.

Members of the board may participate in meetings through the use of conference telephone or electronic videoscreen communication as long as all members participating in the meeting are able to hear one another.Participation in meetings through the use of other methods of electronic transmission constitutes presence inperson at that meeting if both of the following apply:A) Each member participating in the meeting can communicate with all of the other members concurrently.B) Each member is provided the means of participating in all matters before the Board, including, without

limitation, the capacity to propose, or object to, a specific action to be taken by the Board.

Section 4. Special Board Meetings - Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President; and shall be called bythe Secretary on receipt of a written request signed by at least three members of the Board. Such special meetingshall be held in the greater Santa Rosa, CA area (including Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano and Lake counties) atsuch place, date and hour as may be designated by the person authorized herein to call such meeting. Notice ofsuch meeting shall be given either personally or by mail or other means of written communication deliveredpersonally or by telephone (including a voice messaging system) or by electronic transmission by the President orSecretary at least five days and not more than 10 days prior to the date of the meeting. Any such notice shall statethe purpose of the meeting and no other business shall be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting shallbe a majority of the Board.

Members of the board may participate in special meetings through the use of conference telephone or electronicvideo screen communication as long as all members participating in the meeting are able to hear one another.


Participation in special meetings through the use of other methods of electronic transmission constitutes presencein person at that meeting if both of the following apply:

(A) Each member participating in the meeting can communicate with all of the other members concurrently.(B) Each member is provided the means of participating in all matters before the Board, including, without

limitation, the capacity to propose, or object to, a specific action to be taken by the Board.

Section 5. Voting - Each Adult Member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to onevote at any Membership Meeting of the Club at which they are present. Voting at Board meetings and SpecialBoard meetings is restricted to Officers and Directors of the Club. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Clubmeeting or election.

ARTICLE IIIDirectors and Officers

Section 1. Board of Directors - The Board shall be comprised of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and fiveother persons, all of who shall be members in good standing and all of who shall be elected for two-year terms atthe Club’s Annual Meeting as provided in Article IV, and shall serve until their successors are elected. ThePresident, Secretary and two Board Members shall be elected in even years; the Vice President, Treasurer andthree Board Members shall be elected in odd years. General management for the Club’s affairs shall be entrustedto the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Officers - The Club’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall serve intheir respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meeting and the Board and its meetings.

A. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board, and shall have the duties andpowers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in theseBylaws.

B. The Vice President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the President’sdeath, absence, or incapacity; and shall plan program and Club functions in the absence of an EventsCommittee.

C. The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and the Board and of all matters of which arecord shall be ordered by the Club; shall have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings,notify officers and directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the Club with theiraddresses, and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in these Bylaws.

D. The Treasurer shall collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the Club. Moneys shall be depositedin a bank designated by the Board, in the name of the Club. The books shall at all times be open toinspection of the Board and a report shall be given at every meeting of the condition of the Club’s financesand every item of receipt or payment not before reported; and at the Annual Meeting an accounting shall berendered of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year.

E. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person in which case the Board shall becomprised of the officers and six other persons .

Section 3. Vacancies - A Board member may resign from the Board upon written notice to the Secretary. Any BoardMember who is properly notified of meeting dates, and fails to attend three or more Board meetings per year, maybe removed by a majority vote of the remaining Board.

Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next annualelection by a majority vote of all the then members of the Board at its first regular meeting following the creationof such vacancy, or at a Special Board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office ofPresident shall be filled automatically by the Vice President and the resulting vacancy in the office of VicePresident shall be filled by the Board.

Section 4. Terms - All Board of Directors shall be limited to serving a maximum of three consecutive full terms in any oneoffice. An eligible Member may serve a maximum of 12 consecutive years on the Board of Directors. Anymember serving the maximum consecutive term may not be re-elected for any Board position for a minimum ofone year after the expiration of his or her final term of office.


ARTICLE IVThe Club Year, Annual Meeting and Elections

Section 1. Club Year - The Club’s fiscal year shall begin on the first day of February and end on the last day of January. The Club’s official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election at the Annual Meeting and shallcontinue through the election at the next Annual Meeting.

Section 2. Annual Meeting - The Annual Meeting shall be held on or about April 1, at which Officers and Directors for theensuing year shall be elected from among those nominated in accordance with Section 3 of this Article. Theyshall take office immediately on the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to thesuccessor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election.

Section 3. Nominations - No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated. During the monthof September, the Board shall select a Nominating Committee consisting of three members and two alternates, notmore than one of whom may be a member of the Board. The Secretary shall immediately notify the committeepersons and alternates of their selection. The Board shall name a Chairperson for the Committee and it shall besuch persons duty to call a committee meeting which shall be held by October 15. A) Eligible nominees shall be voting members who have been members in good standing for a minimum of

one year prior to their nomination.B) The Committee shall nominate one candidate for each office and position on the Board, and, after securing

the consent of each person so nominated, shall immediately report their nominations to the Secretary inwriting.

C) On receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Secretary shall notify each Club member in writingof the candidates so nominated by November 15.

D) Additional nominations may be made at the Winter Membership Meeting by any voting member inattendance, provided that the person so nominated does not decline when his or her name is proposed, andprovided further that if the proposed candidate is not in attendance at this meeting, the proposer shallpresent to the Secretary a written statement from the proposed candidate signifying willingness to be acandidate. No person may be a candidate for more than one position.

E) Nominations cannot be made at the Annual Meeting or in a manner other than as provided in this Section.

Section 4. Elections - If no additional nominations are made at the Winter Membership Meeting, the NominatingCommittee’s slate shall be declared elected at the time of the Annual Meeting and no balloting shall be required.

If one or more additional valid nominations are made at the Winter Membership Meeting, the election for thecontested positions shall be conducted by secret ballot at the Annual Meeting. The nominated candidate receivingthe greatest number of votes for each office from the members in good standing present and voting shall bedeclared elected. The nominated candidates for other positions on the Board who receive the greatest number ofvotes for such positions from the members in good standing present and voting shall be declared elected.

ARTICLE VCommittees

Section 1. Committee Appointments - The Board may appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in suchmatters as rescue, specialty shows, obedience trials, drafting tests, trophies, annual prizes, membership, breederreferral, ways and means and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall alwaysbe subject to the final authority of the Board. Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it onparticular projects.

Section 2. Termination - Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of theBoard on written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose serviceshave been terminated.

Section 3. Policy - Each committee shall have a written policy outlining its purpose and accounting requirements that hasbeen approved by the Board of Directors. Any policy change proposed by a committee must be referred to theBoard for consideration and approval. Resulting policy changes must appear in an official communication of theClub to the membership.


Section 4. Annual Report - The chairperson of each committee shall submit an annual written report to the Secretary byFebruary 1 of each year.

ARTICLE VIDiscipline

Section 1. American Kennel Club Suspension - Any member who is suspended from all of the privileges of The AmericanKennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.

Section 2. Charges - An individual member may prefer charges against another individual member for alleged misconductprejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the Breed, or alleged failure to abide by the Constitution and Bylawsof this Club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with adeposit of $25, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing. TheSecretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a BoardMeeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constituteconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Club or the Breed, or failure to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the bestinterests of the Club or the Breed, or failure to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club, it the Board mayrefuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall first attempt to resolvethe grievance prior to a formal hearing by appointing an mediator who will seek to resolve the grievance to themutual satisfaction of the parties involved. If that fails, within thirty (30) days from the date that the Boardentertained jurisdiction of the charges, the Board shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board not less than threeweeks nor more than six weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to theaccused member by certified mail, return receipt, together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that theDefendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she desires.

Section 3. Board Hearing - The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, butboth Complainant and Defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained afterhearing all the evidence and testimony presented by Complainant and Defendant, the Board may, by a majorityvote of those present, reprimand or suspend the Defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than sixmonths from the date of the hearing. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to themembership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the Defendant’s right toappear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing Membership Meeting which considers the Board’srecommendation. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form andfiled with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision andpenalty, if any.

Section 4. Expulsion - Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following aBoard hearing and on the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceeding mayoccur at a regular or special meeting of the Club to be held within 60 days but not earlier than 30 days after thedate of the Board’s recommendation of expulsion. The Defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his orher own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and theBoard’s finding and recommendation, and shall invite the Defendant, if present, to speak in his or her own behalfif they wish. The members shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2/3 vote of those presentand voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspensionshall stand.

ARTICLE VIIAmendments

Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws or Code of Conduct may be proposed by the Board of Directors or bywritten petition addressed to the Secretary signed by 20% of the voting membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors, and must besubmitted to the members, with recommendations from the Board, by the Secretary within three months of the datewhen the petition was received by the Secretary.


Section 2. The Constitution and Bylaws or Code of Conduct may be amended by a 2/3 affirmative vote by secret ballot of themembers in good standing present and voting at any regular or special meeting called for the purpose, provided theproposed amendments have been included in the notice of the meeting and mailed to each member at least twoweeks prior to the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIIIDissolution

Section 1. The Club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members in goodstanding. In the event of the dissolution of the Club other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary,involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of theClub shall be distributed to any members of the Club. After payment of the debts of the Club, its property andassets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IXOrder of Business

Section 1. Club Meetings - At Membership Meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature ofthe meeting may permit, shall be:

Roll CallMinutes of last meetingReport of PresidentReport of SecretaryReport of TreasurerReports of CommitteesElection of Officers and Board (at Annual Meeting)Election of new membersUnfinished businessNew businessAdjournment

Section 2. Board Meetings - At meetings of the Board, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by majority vote ofthose present, shall be:

Reading of minutes of last meetingReport of SecretaryReport of TreasurerReports of CommitteesUnfinished businessNew businessAdjournment

ARTICLE XParliamentary Authority

Section 1. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall govern the Club in allcases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws; any Federal, State orother law applicable to this Club; and any other special rules of order the Club may adopt.

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